The Magic Pudding
Sara Winston-Smith can remember visiting the Tamworth-based gift store she now calls her own as a child. Today, The Magic Pudding (affectionately known as ‘The Pud’) not only brings a smile to Sara’s face, but to the faces of people throughout the region too.
How did your life at The Magic Pudding begin?
It all started 10 years ago – 1 October 2013 was my first day in the shop. Before that I was working as an agronomist, a finance broker in agriculture. It’s a very male-dominated industry and I wasn’t being given opportunities to progress. So when my position was made redundant, I took some time off to really think about what I wanted to do. I was gardening and house-sitting for people, babysitting and doing pub work. Then I heard on the grapevine that this shop was for sale and I couldn’t believe my luck. I’d been coming here for years, ever since I was a child. Within two weeks it was mine and it just flowed from there.
In what way has becoming a small business owner changed your life?
To be entirely honest, I’ve had my own mental health struggles for many years. Coming from an industry where I was completely trodden on, I needed this shop to feel good about life. It has given me the confidence to move into a zone where I’m in charge, I’m in control and I’ve taken the power back for myself. It’s incredible to be a part of the small business community on Peel Street too;. It’s such a strong, supportive group and I’m proud to be part of something that supports not only the people in town, but the farmers beyond too. There’s so much fantastic stuff being made in this region, and including their products in our hampers is a great way for us to promote and celebrate what they do.
Tell me more about the food gifting side of the business…
It’s come a long way in the past 10 years, and that’s fantastic to see. Locally grown food is now seen as a beautiful gift idea, an indulgence at a dinner party or simply a way to support your local community. People now see the value in the food products that come from the region, they’re more interested in taking the time to track them down and that’s a big part of what I love to do – bring these quality products to people and create a gorgeous, bespoke hamper in our seagrass baskets as a special gift. We have a whole range of other incredible things in store that can be added to the hamper to complement the food products, too. Whether that’s a candle or a wheat bag, a piece of jewellery or a cheese knife, it’s these finishing touches that make our hampers truly unique, something you can’t find anywhere else.
You’re now celebrating your 10th year in business – how does that feel?
I’m loving every minute. I’ve watched kids who were born at the start of this business venture head off to high school, and I’ve had a son of my own. I’ve also seen two years of drought, two years of COVID, fires, floods, mice plagues and interest rate hikes – it sounds like a lot, but we’ve weathered it all together as a community. I like to keep the conversation positive because speaking negatively can have a flow-on effect. That’s not what we need right now, we need to protect and cherish other businesses; I’m all about bringing more gift shops to town. It’s such a great thing, because the more things we have in Tamworth the more people are going to come to town to shop. We need to work together to offer people something different, unique and special, and we’re only ever going to do that if we band together.
What does the future look like for The Magic Pudding?
For now, I just want to be happy here, watch people walk into my store and feel the energy. I want to help them find something that makes them – or someone they love – smile. As for what lies ahead, there are so many exciting new developments happening in our area, I’d love to open a second store down the track. That would be a whole new adventure, so keep your eyes peeled. But for now, I love what I do and I am who I am. I’m an open book. I enjoy making people smile and if that’s me being a goose on Instagram, packing hampers or sourcing new, unique products for those who share my joy for colour, then that’s where you’ll find me.
Visit ‘The Pud’
If you’re on the hunt for something unique, colourful, quirky and cool, or need an incredible hamper made for a special gift or event, look no further than The Magic Pudding.
295 Peel Street, Tamworth
